CN103210260A - Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures - Google Patents

Abstract

Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes a shaft to be disposed within an air duct, to extend in a longitudinal direction, and to be in longitudinal compression. The air duct system also includes a plurality of ribs to be coupled to the shaft and to engage an inner surface of the air duct and a spring to be disposed within the air duct, the spring to be coupled to the shaft. The spring under stress being a contributing factor in both the shaft being in longitudinal compression and the air duct being in longitudinal tension. A method of retrofitting an existing air duct system with internal expanding structure is also disclosed.

Description

Flexible walls air duct with interior expansion structure

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to air duct and relates more specifically to have the flexible walls air duct of interior expansion structure.

Background technology

Pipe-line system is generally used for carrying the conditioned air of discharging from fan (for example heat, cooling, filtration etc.) and air is assigned to room or other place in the building.Pipeline is formed by hard metal (such as steel, aluminium or stainless steel) usually.In many facilities, pipeline for convenience and attractive in appearance and be hidden in above the furred ceiling.But in warehouse, manufactory and many other buildings, pipeline is suspended from top of building, and therefore exposes.Prevent that the pollution to goods of being carried by air from being that metallic conduit can have problems in crucial these warehouses or manufacturing industry environment looking.

For example, the temperature difference between the air of the temperature change in the building or pipeline and conveying can be at the inside and outside generation coagulating liq of pipeline.The moisture that condenses that pipe interior exists can form mould or bacterium, and this pipeline leads to room or other place with the conditioned air supply then.Under the circumstances of exposed tube, the coagulating liq of pipeline outside can drop onto on the goods or people of below.The consequence of drippage can be from the minimal irritation to danger the breaking-up fully (especially in the food processing facility) of the wet and slippery or pipeline below product in ground.

In addition, be known that having local discharging register metallic conduit produces uncomfortable wind and unbalanced local heat or cooling in building.Be that cold wind can be uncomfortable especially and may be unsound in the numerous food product processing facility of 42 degrees Fahrenheits at target temperature.

A plurality of the problems referred to above relevant with metallic conduit are overcome by using flexible fabric pipeline (such as from Dubuque, the DUSTSOX that the DustSox Corporation of Iowa produces).This pipeline generally has flexible fabric wall (being generally porous), and this flexible fabric wall expand into cylindrical shape substantially by the pressure of the air carried by pipeline.As if the fabric pipeline suppresses the coagulating liq that forms on its outer wall, and this may be because fabric has the thermal conductivity lower than metallic conduit.In addition, the hole of fabric and/or air extensively and is equably spread to along the additional holes of fabric pipeline distribution of lengths is conditioned or room with good ventilation.The uniform distribution of air-flow also makes the wall of pipeline self ventilate effectively, thereby further suppresses mould and formation bacterium.

Yet under multiple situation, in case the regulatory demand in room is satisfied, air supply fan will be closed or shut down up to needing again.When fan cut out, the ducted loss of air pressur that causes made the flat contracting of fabric pipe, thereby it is sunk.In some cases, according to application and the material of fabric, sinking causes not reaching optimal appearance or may hinder any object under the ventilating duct.In addition, when pipeline was re-inflated, pipeline can produce very loud cracker, because the fabric of pipeline is tightened up again by air pressure.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the side view of the exemplary air pipe-line system of non-energising, and this air, ducted systems has exemplary inner frame, is used for the pliable and tough pipeline of system is remained on the roughly shape of expansion.

Fig. 2 is the side view of similar Fig. 1, but the blower of the system of energising is shown.

Fig. 3 is the side view of similar Fig. 1, but another exemplary air pipe-line system is shown.

Fig. 4 is the side view of similar Fig. 3, but system's blower of energising is shown.

Fig. 5 is the cross sectional side view that Fig. 2 middle frame part is shown.

Fig. 6 is the stereogram of exemplary radial support member.

Fig. 7 is the stereogram of another exemplary radial support member.

Fig. 8 is the stereogram of another exemplary radial support member.

Fig. 9 is the stereogram of another exemplary radial support member.

Figure 10 is the cross sectional side view that an end of figure 1 – 4 middle frames is shown, and wherein end cap disconnects and connecting.

Figure 11 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 10, but the framework of elongation and the end cap of installing are shown.

Figure 12 is the cross sectional side view of exemplary end cap.

Figure 13 is the rearview of the end cap shown in Figure 12, and wherein the flexible sheet material of end cap is lax relatively.

Figure 14 is the rearview of similar Figure 13, but the flexible sheet material that end cap is shown tightens up.

Figure 15 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 12, but end cap is shown will be mounted.

Figure 16 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 15, but end cap is shown is attached to the flexible walls air duct.

Figure 17 is the vertical view of the air, ducted systems of exemplary L shape structure.

Figure 18 is the sectional stereogram of exemplary flow limiter, and it is attached to the exemplary radial support member of pliable and tough air duct inside.

Figure 19 is the stereogram that the nested assembly that piles up of exemplary radial support member is shown.

Figure 20 is the side view that will reequip the existing flexible walls air duct of example frame.

Figure 21 is the side view of similar Figure 20, but the selection of two example frame in the air duct that will insert Figure 20 is shown.

Figure 22 is the side view of similar Figure 20, is installed in ducted example frame but illustrate.

Figure 23 is the side view of similar Figure 22, but the framework of adjustable ground elongation is shown.

Figure 24 is the side view of similar Figure 20, but the example frame that is installed in the pipeline and axially compresses in pipeline is shown.

Figure 25 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 11, but another exemplary air pipe-line system is shown.

Figure 26 is the cross sectional side view that illustrates by the pipe-line system of Figure 25 of manual adjustments.

Figure 27 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 26, but illustrates by another illustrative conduit system of manual adjustments.

Figure 28 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 26, but another illustrative conduit system is shown.

Figure 29 is the cross sectional side view that illustrates by the pipe-line system of the Figure 28 after the manual adjustments.

Figure 30 is the side view of exemplary air pipe-line system, and wherein exemplary shaft is in the state of removing.

Figure 31 is the cross sectional side view of the pipe-line system of Figure 30, but the axle that is in installment state is shown.

Figure 32 is the side view for the exemplary shaft of air, ducted systems.

Figure 33 is the cross sectional side view of the axle of Figure 32, but the axle that is in installment state is shown.

Figure 34 is the side view for another exemplary shaft of air, ducted systems.

Figure 35 is the cross sectional side view of the axle of Figure 34, but the axle that is in installment state is shown.

Figure 36 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 35, but the illustrative conduit system with alternative tubular sidewall is shown.

Figure 37 is the cross sectional side view that the exemplary air pipe-line system with exemplary linear clutch is shown.

Figure 38 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 37, but illustrates for the linear clutch with the elongation of exemplary shaft assembly.

Figure 39 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 38, but the linear clutch that shaft assembly has been extended is shown.

Figure 40 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 39, is configured to the linear clutch of air flow line shape more but illustrate.

Figure 41 is the cross section view of similar Figure 38, but the linear clutch that the compression in the shaft assembly is discharged is shown.

Figure 42 is the chart that the various aspects of the air, ducted systems shown in Fig. 37 – 41 are shown.

Figure 43 is the cross sectional side view of linear clutch shown in Figure 37, and wherein the reciprocating part of the clutch trip lever that is in release position and clutch is in the normal position.

Figure 44 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 43, but the reciprocating part of the linear clutch that is in depressed position is shown.

Figure 45 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 43, but the trip lever of the linear clutch that is in the off-position is shown.

Figure 46 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 39, but another exemplary linear clutch is shown.

Figure 47 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 39 and 46, but another exemplary linear clutch is shown.

Figure 48 is the cross sectional side view that another exemplary air pipe-line system with another exemplary linear clutch is shown.

Figure 49 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 48, but the air duct of expansion is shown and the exemplary shaft assembly that extends owing to pipe expansion is shown.

Figure 50 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 49, the pipeline of flat contracting when still being illustrated in shaft assembly maintenance extension.

Figure 51 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 43, but the linear clutch of Fig. 48 – 50 is shown.

Figure 52 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 43 and 51, but another example of linear clutch is shown.

Figure 53 is the cross sectional side view that another illustrative conduit system is shown.

Figure 54 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 53, but the system of another structure is shown.

Figure 55 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 53 and 54, but the system of another structure is shown.

Figure 56 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 47, but another example of air, ducted systems is shown.

Figure 57 is the cross sectional side view of similar Figure 56, but the air duct that tightens up more is shown.

The specific embodiment

Some example is shown in the above represented accompanying drawing and be described in more detail below.In the process of describing these examples, similar or identical Reference numeral is used for the identical or similar elements of expression.For clear and/or succinct, accompanying drawing may not some feature can be by exaggerative ratio or schematically illustrated with some view in proportion and in the accompanying drawing.In addition, a plurality of examples have been described in this manual.Any feature in any example can comprise, substitute or be attached in the further feature from other example.

The exemplary air duct arrangement that comprises pliable and tough tubular sidewall has exemplary inner frame, and this inner frame remains on roughly expansion shape with pipeline, even when pipeline reduces pressure.Framework tightens up to keep this material along duct length tensioning flexible sidewall material.In some instances, framework is constrained in the pipeline, thereby makes the pipe side wall of tensioning that framework is vertically remained in the compression.Like this, in a longitudinal direction, pipeline is in the tensioning and framework is in the compression.For avoiding framework flexing under compression force, some example frame comprise central longitudinal axis, and this central authorities' longitudinal axis has a plurality of radial spokes and ring portion, and this radial spoke and ring portion help axle is kept straight.In some instances, ring portion also helps pipeline is kept radial dilatation.In some instances, framework is that spring loads.

Figure 1 – 4 illustrates exemplary air pipe- line system 10 and 12 for delivery of from blower 16 air discharged 14 and be used for room or other place that air 14 was scattered or be sent to building.To at first explain the pipe-line system 10 of Fig. 1 and 2, and explain the difference between pipe- line system 10 and 12 subsequently.

In order to carry air 14, pipe-line system 10 comprises air duct 18, and this air duct comprises the tubular sidewall of being made by flexible material 20.Term as used herein " sidewall " refers to the whole circumference scope of fabric, even the part of sidewall is along top or bottom or any position extension therebetween of pipe.Some examples of flexible sidewall material include but not limited to the fabric of polymer-coated or dipping, the various combinations of uncoated fabric, polyester sheet, other polymer or non-metallic sheet and above material.For air 14 is discharged into its used room or place from pipeline 18, sidewall 20 and/or the end cap 22 of pipeline 18 comprise one or more exhaust openings, such as for example hole of otch opening, plastics or metal discharging register and/or side-wall material self.

In some instances, pipe-line system 10 by with pipe-line system 10 from overhead supporting construction 28(for example hawser, track, passage, beam, roof etc.) suspended a plurality of suspenders 26 are installed in 24 belows, roof.Example frame 30 comprises axle 32 and a plurality of flank 34 that is installed in the pipeline 18, and be the material (for example rigid plastics, glass fibre, steel, aluminium etc.) of relative stiffness, this material is 20 harder than sidewall, flexibility is lower, no matter whether blower 16 is energising or does not start that this framework all remains roughly expansion shape with pipeline 18.Like this, framework 30 helps prevent pneumatic vibrations and the consequent sonic boom of the pliable and tough air duct that expands suddenly when blower 16 is opened, or it is minimized, opening of this blower can be increased to the positive air pressure that works suddenly with the air pressure in the pipeline 18 from inoperative environmental air pressure.Sagging or the suffered appearance degradation influence of pipeline 18 when framework 30 is also eliminated blower 16 outages, or its degree is minimized.During some of disclosed framework and/or shaft assembly are installed in this article, when pipeline 18 as negative pressure air is transported to the pressure fan suction inlet return air duct the time, this structure also helps to keep pipeline 18 to open.

Framework 30 so is contained in and makes in the pipeline 18 no matter whether blower 16 is opened, and framework 30 all applies the roughly tensile force 36 of longitudinal direction 38 tensioning pipelines 18 of edge, tightens up so that sidewall 20 is kept bottom line at least.In some instances, framework 30 tensioning pipelines 18 whole and/or whole circumference basically.Longitudinally tensioning pipeline 18 makes the axle 32 of framework 30 be subjected to the effect of the reaction force of vertical compression stress 40.For preventing that compression stress 40 from making axle 32 flexings and for helping pipeline 18 remained on the radial dilatation shape, the size of flank 34 is set to pipeline 18 is stayed open, and separates radial deflection with restrictive axes 32 along the length of pipeline 18.

Although the specific design details of framework 30 and varied for the device possibility that is installed in pliable and tough air duct has still been showed some examples in the accompanying drawings.For example in Fig. 5, framework 30 comprises radial support member 44, and this radial support member comprises a plurality of spokes 42 that flank 34 are connected to mandrel 46.In this example, flank 34 is complete 360 degree rings, but in other example, flank 34 is to extend the knee of spending less than 360 around pipeline 18 interior diameters.In this example similarly, form radial support member 44 flanks 34, spoke 42 and mandrel 46 in this case and comprise that monomer constitutes or the member of welding, such as weldment.

As shown in Figure 1, radial support member 44 can be installed in all places along the length of axle 32.As shown in Figure 5, when radial support member 44 is installed in an end 48 of pipeline 18, keeper 50 keeps flanks 34 fixing basically with respect to the sidewall 20 of contiguous pipeline 18, so that this specific radial support member 44 can be resisted compression stress 40 and the reaction force of the correspondence tensile force 36 as tensioning sidewall 20 is transmitted.Keeper 50 can be for any device that keeps flank or radial support member with respect to the sidewall almost fixed of contiguous pipeline.The example of this keeper includes but not limited to axial part, constraint band-type hose clamp (for example keeper 52 of Fig. 3,4,17 and 22 – 24), screw, rivet, the securing member etc. of propping up between anchor clamps (rigidity or spring-loaded), band (elasticity or rigidity), flank 34 and the hair-dryer shell

Be in the example of elastic webbing or spring-loading anchor clamps form at keeper 50, the elasticity of keeper 50 can help to compensate the permanent longitudinal stretching of pipeline 18, depends on the material of sidewall 20, and this permanent longitudinal stretching may be passed slow generation in time.Additional or alternatively, the elastic compensating that permanent pipe tunnel stretches can be along any other position of the length of framework 30 and framework 30 self combination.

When radial support member 44 is installed in various centre position in the length of pipeline 18, can omit keeper 50 in these positions.Under the situation that does not have keeper 50, the spoke 42 that flank 34 or the illusion plane that in fact limited by flank 34 still can be by being connected to flank 34 mandrel 46 and in conjunction with flexible connector 58(or equal rigid connector between mandrel 46 and the adjoining shaft part 32a) keep the longitudinal midline 56 that is substantially perpendicular to pipeline 18.Shaft part 32a is one of a plurality of sections, and when being connected to a plurality of mandrel 46, these a plurality of parts provide roughly the axle (axle 32) of the assembling of settling along center line 56.As shown in Figure 5, the vertical orientation of flank 34 in pipeline 18 by means of the spoke 42(that is tilted for example spoke 42 be placed to 60 the degree angles, be not orthogonal to the axle 32) further guarantee.This layout produce spoke 42 be connected to mandrel 46(for example spoke 42 be attached to mandrel 46 at a plurality of points 62 and 64 places, these are a plurality of longitudinally to distribute and separates along mandrel 46) axialy offset arrange, thereby make spoke 42 become effective angled part.

In the example depicted in fig. 5, mandrel 46 is that solid hopkinson bar and shaft part 32a are pipe, and its king-rod telescopically is assemblied in the pipe.In other example, mandrel 46 is that pipe and shaft part 32a are solid hopkinson bar, and wherein the solid hopkinson bar telescopically of shaft part is assemblied in the tubulose mandrel.In some instances, mandrel and shaft part are the pipe of different-diameter, and wherein the pipe telescopically than minor diameter is assemblied in the bigger pipe.In some instances, mandrel 46 provides the connector with a plurality of shaft part 32a interconnection, and in other example, mandrel and " shaft part " are single piece or single weldment.In other example, mandrel and shaft part are by being used for some other device combination of attachment.In other other example, as shown in figure 21, framework 30 ' comprises flank 34, and this flank is connected to each other at flank periphery and one or more axles 32 ', thereby eliminates the needs for spoke 42 and mandrel 46.

For example screw, pin, elasticity load button etc. to the end 66 that Fig. 6 illustrates mandrel 46 by securing member 68() be assemblied in the example among the shaft part 32b, this securing member keeps together an end and the shaft part of mandrel.Additional or alternatively, mandrel 46 comprises that elasticity loads button 70, this elasticity loads button and optionally is projected in one of a plurality of holes 72 of shaft part 32c, so that the discrete axial adjustment between mandrel 46 and the shaft part 32c to be provided.This axial adjustment can be used in the total length of regulating framework 30.

Fig. 7 illustrates solid shaft part 32d and 32e and is assemblied in example among the tubulose mandrel 46a.Tapping screw 74 is fastened to shaft part 32d at the end of mandrel 46a.For adjustable length is provided to framework, pin 76 optionally inserts one of a series of holes 78.In case insert, pin 76 keeps fixedly shaft orientation relation selected between mandrel 46a and the shaft part 32e.

Fig. 8 illustrates radial support member 30a to have in the example of tubulose mandrel 46b, and this tubulose mandrel can be not the axle of segmentation along continuous axle 32f() the telescopically slip.In some instances, when inserting pipeline 18, flank 34 is attached to sidewall 20 and stays the limited free degree to slide with respect to axle 32f for mandrel 46b, and still in other example, mandrel 46b is fastened to a 32f so that it is axially remained on the appropriate location along axle 32f.

Fig. 9 illustrates radial support member 30c and comprises in the example of ring portion 34 ', this ring portion can be formed by flat bar, and this ring portion may make radial support member 30c be more suitable in clamping by constraint band-type hose clamp (such as the keeper 52 among Fig. 3,4,17 and 22 – 24).

In the example shown in Figure 10 and 11, end cap 22 comprises the pliable and tough end sheet material 78 with securing member 80, and this end sheet material is used for end cap 22 is connected to the end of pipeline 18.Radial support member 44a comprises a plurality of spokes 42, and these a plurality of spokes are connected to mandrel 46c with flank 34.Some examples of securing member 80 include but not limited to slide fastener, touch maintenance securing member, buckle, anchor clamps etc.As shown in figure 10, for guaranteeing that framework 30 is fully long with tensioning pipeline 18 when end cap 22 is installed, the flexible connector 82 between mandrel 46c and the shaft part 32g makes the total length of framework 30 fully increase by radial support member 44a is skidded off imaginary line 84.When framework 30 was adjusted to correct length, this length kept fixing by mandrel 46c for example is fastened to shaft part 32g by means of screw 74.Additional or alternatively, the pin 86 that optionally can insert one of a series of holes 88 can be used in the minimum length of setting framework 30, it can be the helpful feature between pipe-line system 10 installation periods.

As shown in figure 11, after framework 30 was set at correct length, pipeline 18 and its end cap 22 were moved to together above flank 34 forcibly, and securing member 80 is closed.In some instances, the correct length of framework 30 is discharged to the pressure of the air 14 in the pipeline 18 based on blower 16 and determines.In some instances, the length of framework 30 so set make by framework 30 along the longitudinal direction 38 mechanical forces that apply greater than the aerodynamic force on the end cap 22 that is applied to pipeline, so that applying of aerodynamic force do not make pipeline 18 expansions or " ejections " above the end of framework 30.In other words, when the air of air duct 18 inside is in inoperative environmental air pressure, air duct 18 is in 38 the first tensioning amplitude along the longitudinal direction, when the air of pipeline 18 inside is in the positive air pressure that works, air duct 18 is in 38 the second tensioning amplitude along the longitudinal direction, and the first tensioning amplitude is greater than the difference between the first and second tensioning amplitudes.And the first tensioning amplitude is less than the second tensioning amplitude.In addition, when the air of pipeline 18 inside is in inoperative environmental air pressure, framework 30 is in 38 first suppressed range along the longitudinal direction, when the air of pipeline 18 inside is in the positive air pressure that works, framework 30 is in 38 second suppressed range along the longitudinal direction, and first suppressed range is greater than the difference between first and second amplitudes of compression.And first suppressed range is greater than second suppressed range.

In case be contained in the pipeline 18, framework 30 just no longer needs extra support, because the pipeline 18 bearing frame total weights that can hang independently from overhead supporting construction 28 is most of and even whole.Yet, in some instances, shown in Fig. 3 and 4, the reserve suspender 88 that extends through sidewall 20 directly is fastened to framework 30 on some overhead support portions (for example supporting construction 28), if so that the frame supported that pipeline 18 provides lost efficacy, framework 30 has redundant support source.

Fig. 12 – 16 illustrate exemplary end cap 90, and it can replace end cap 22 to use and can be used in the various pliable and tough or expandable air ducts, and no matter whether air duct has any other inner frame.In this example, end cap 90 comprises extremity piece 91, and flexible sheet material 96 stretches above this extremity piece or closely keeps.In the example of showing, extremity piece 91 is provided by flank 34, and this extremity piece has optional mandrel 92 and optional spoke group 94.When end cap 90 used in conjunction with framework (such as the framework shown in figure 1 – 11), mandrel 92 and spoke 94 can be useful.In addition, although the example that illustrates is used flank 34, can use any member that has with end cap 22 complementary shape herein.Under the situation of round pipe, this complementary shape will be circle.Therefore, except ring portion, Circular Plate or similar structures also can use.This structure even need not to be continuous on the circumference.

In some instances, end cap 90 also comprises limit portion 98, securing member 80, extension 102 and contraction members 104.Sheet material 96 with limit portion 98 has the outer peripheral edges 107 of peripheral part 106 and imbrication flank 34.In some instances, limit portion 98 is sewn to the peripheral part of sheet material 96.In other example, limit portion 98 is that the integral body of sheet material 96 is extended.Securing member 80 is demonstrated to represent any device for the end that limit portion 98 is connected to the pliable and tough air duct of tubulose (such as pipeline 18).In some instances, extension 102 meets place and sheet material 96 imbrication flanks 34 places from virtual round wire 100(Figure 13 at all limit portions 98 and sheet material 96) extension.

In this example, contraction members 104 is connected to extension 102 and is used for tightening up sheet material 96 along the outward radial direction, thereby avoids the lax cooperation outward appearance of sheet material 96.In some instances, contraction members 104 is that stay cord and extension 102 are circular net, and this circular net has inner sleeve 108, and stay cord (member 104) passes by this inner sleeve.In other example, extension 102 comprises a plurality of piece of cloth, and these a plurality of piece of cloth are separated and distributed along round wire 100 is circumferential.In each case, the end 104a and the 104b that manually spur stay cord radially inwardly spur extension 102 towards the central point 110 of flank 34, thereby radially outward direction tightens up sheet material 96.Stay cord is pinioned, is clamped then or be fixing, so that sheet material 96 is maintained the situation of tightening up.

In general, contraction members 104 has deflation situation (Figure 14,15 and 16) and relaxed condition (Figure 12 and 13), wherein flexible sheet material 96 when contraction members 104 is in the deflation situation than when contraction members 104 is in relaxed condition, tightening up more, and extension 102 more close central point 110 when contraction members 104 is in the deflation situation than when contraction members 104 is in relaxed condition.As shown in figure 16, after sheet material 96 tightened up, securing member 80 was connected to the pliable and tough air duct 18 of tubulose with end cap 90.

The no matter shape of extremity piece 91 and other design feature are with extension 102 inside outer peripheral edges 107 tops of contraction members 104 extremity pieces 91 of the 110 pullings pulling flexible sheet material 96 and radially outward spur flexible sheet material 96 towards the central point radially.The radially tensioning of resulting flexible sheet material 96 provides the clean and tidy outward appearance of wrinkle minimum (if any) for end cap 90.

The various supplementary features of aforementioned exemplary are become reconciled with being among Fig. 17 – 19 and are showed.Figure 17 is the vertical view of exemplary L shape air, ducted systems 112, and this L shaped air, ducted systems comprises the pliable and tough elbow pipeline 114 that connects two pliable and tough air duct 18a and 18b.For keeping the expansion that seems of whole L shaped pipeline basically, the first framework 30a is arranged among the pipeline 18a, in this pipeline, to produce vertical tensioning and/or tensile force 36, wherein radial support member 44 and 44a clamp circumferentially or remain to pipeline 18a by any proper device, and this proper device includes but not limited to band clamp 25.In some instances, substituting except band clamp 25 or as band clamp, short pliable and tough air duct portion with one or more keepers 50 remains on the appropriate location with radial support member 44 and/or 44a, and the circumference slide fastener in arbitrary end of pipe section is connected to pipe section the remaining part of air duct 18a.Similarly, the second framework 30b is arranged among the pipeline 18b, to produce vertical tensioning or tensile force 36 in this pipeline, wherein one or more radial support members 44 are clamped to pipeline 18b by any proper device circumferentially, and this proper device includes but not limited to band clamp 205.One or more radial support members 44 are arranged in the elbow pipeline 114, roughly expand to keep elbow pipeline 114 to seem.In some instances, the bending axis that in elbow pipeline 114 radial support member 44 is interconnected helps radial support member 44 is remained on the appropriate location.Bending axis is not shown, because be not that all examples with elbow pipeline of radial support member all comprise this axle.

Figure 18 illustrates the exemplary flow limiter 116 that is attached to radial support member 44.In some instances, flow limiter 116 is for having the fabric taper of the air stream outlet 118 that dwindles.In some instances, outlet 118 is fixing opening, and in other example, the downstream opening of outlet 118 can be regulated by means of tightening stay cord 120.

How Figure 19 can be stacked as compact transportable layout if illustrating a plurality of radial support members 44.This nested arrangement is because the biasing between the spoke tie point 62 and 64 but possible, wherein spoke tie point 62 and 64 longitudinal biasings (size 122) and be in the opposition side of mandrel 46.Aspect more specifically, device/assembly 124 that example is showed comprises a plurality of flanks 34, and wherein each flank 34 settles to limit a plurality of imaginary planes 126 along illusion plane 126.Device/assembly 124 also comprises mandrel 46, and this mandrel is attached to each flank 34 to produce a plurality of mandrels 46.Ring portion 34 is in the transportable stacked arrangement, and wherein ring portion 34 placements located adjacent one another are so that a plurality of imaginary plane 126 is substantially parallel to each other.A plurality of mandrels 46 are radial offset (size 128) each other, and a plurality of flank 34 radial offset each other.In the example of showing, at least one mandrel 46 extends through more than one imaginary plane 126.

Fig. 20 – 24 has showed and has been used for obtaining existing, the air, ducted systems 130 that before worked and with the illustrative methods of system's 130 repacking frameworks 30 or its analog, this air, ducted systems comprises expandable air duct 18.In some instances, this method relates to by end cap 22 places of pipeline (for example as shown in figure 20) opening conduits and enter the inner space of pipeline 18 at some some place.Figure 21 is illustrated in pipeline 18 inner installation frames 30.In some instances, the framework that substitutes style then is installed, such as framework 30 '.In some instances, framework 30 is along with it inserts pipeline 18 and progressively assembling.Figure 22 illustrates the framework 30 of pipeline 18 inside, and this framework has the exemplary keeper 52 that a radial support member 44 is remained on the appropriate location.Figure 22 and 23 illustrates the longitudinal length 132 of framework 30 and can how to regulate, and its middle frame 30 is longer in Figure 23 than in Figure 22.End cap 22 is closed in arrow 134 representatives of Figure 23, thereby framework 30 is enclosed in the inner space of pipeline 18.As shown in figure 24, framework 30 is forced to be enclosed in to cause 38 compression frame 30 and the expandable air duct 18 of tensioning along the longitudinal direction in the pipeline 18.

Although previous air duct has pliable and tough tubular sidewall and inner frame, loss and/or the extension of along with side-wall material in time passing and still tend to sink of side-wall material by internal air pressure.The example of air duct is used the compression stress of storing in the spring, and this example can keep the side-wall material constant tension, thereby and keep pipeline and tighten up, this spring is provided at the power that continues on the end cap along the pipeline longitudinal direction.By this example, when the flat contracting of pipeline, the compression stress of storing in the spring can discharge, and causes the pipeline elongation.The compression stress of storage is provided owing to the inner frame with variable total length and the spring that provides actual forces with change length.Figure 25 and 26 shows example air, ducted systems 136, and it has following feature: even assist the air duct 18 of installation system and guarantee that also it tightens up when pipeline 18 flat contractings.In this example, air duct 18 comprises tubulose flexible sidewall 20(Figure 26) and the end cap 22 be attached.The sidewall 20 of tubulose be suitable for along the longitudinal direction 138 with air 14 carry by pipeline 18 and final radially and/or axial direction air 14 is discharged by the pore in the pipeline 18 or other outlet.

As shown in figure 25, for keeping sidewall 20 to tighten up making when the in fact flat contracting of pipeline 18 (pressurizeing), pipeline 18 expansion that seems, example resilient loading frame 140 is installed in the pipeline 18.In this example, framework 140 comprises the axle 142 that supports a plurality of flanks 34.Flank 34 engages the inner surface 144 of sidewall 20 so that pipeline 18 is maintained the radial dilatation shape.For keeping sidewall 138 to tighten up along the longitudinal direction, axle 142 comprises that the flexible connector 148(between the first shaft part 32h, the second shaft part 46d, spring or biased element 146 and shaft part 32h and the 46d for example includes but not limited to the first and second shaft part examples of previously mentioned mandrel 46,46a, 46b, 46c and 92); Wherein the various spindle units of system 136 and other element design are in axle 142 in vertical compression for keeping pipeline 18 to be in vertical tensioning with reply.

Vertical adjusting of internal structure provides by pin, and this pin joint closes helical spring, this helical spring make that length can be continuously (with discrete increase progressively opposite) adjusting.For example in some instances, spring 146 is spiral compression spring, and one end 150 is attached to the fixing point 152 on the second shaft part 46d.The pars intermedia 154 of spring 146 is threadedly engaged with pin 156 or similar characteristics at point 158 places that are fixed on the first shaft part 32h.Except other physical size of system 136, the distance between the point 152 and 158 is determined the total length of axle 142 and/or the compression of spring 146.

Be the length of regulating shaft and/or the compression of spring, the first rotation conjunction 160 at flexible connector 148 places allows the second shaft part 46d to rotate with respect to the first shaft part 32h.As shown in figure 26, because shaft part 32h and 46d are threaded each other by means of the spring portion 154 of double pointed nail 156, thus with the second shaft part 46d with respect to the manual rotation of the first shaft part 32h with according to direction of rotation with two shaft part 32h with 46d is screwed in together effectively or separately.Like this, spring 146 is as adjustment screw, be used for when axle 142 by pipeline 18 total length of regulating shaft 142 during constraint relief (for example constraint relief when end cap 22 removes or when spools 142 are significantly shorter than pipeline 18) longitudinally.When the length of axle 142 was mounted the finite length constraint of pipeline 18 of end cap 22, spring 146 was as adjustment screw, thereby was used for the compression of regulating spring 146 and as the device of vertical compression of regulating shaft 142.Conversely, therefore the compression of regulating shaft 142 regulates the vertical tensioning in the pipeline 18.

In some instances, the adjusting of axle 142 is carried out by following steps: at first, set the length of framework 140 as shown in figure 26, the relatively short not reduction length of its middle frame allows a part 162 zipper joint of end cap 22 or is attached to sidewall 20.As shown in figure 26, along with another part 164 of end cap is circumferentially removed zipper joint or releasing is attached to sidewall 20, the opening 168 that the operator can pass its arm the contact zipper joint stretches into pipe interior, so that the second shaft part 46d is manually rotated with respect to the first shaft part 32h, thereby make this axle be relaxed, unpressed length is greater than the length of pipeline 18 and sidewall 20.Yet along with end cap 22 restrictive axes extend to the ability of its not reduction length that loosens fully, spring 146 and axle 142 are compressed in the scope of pipeline 18.Subsequently, the operator withdraws from and closes opening 168 with its arm 166.The end cap 22 that this moment is attached to sidewall 20 fully remains on spring 146 and axle 142 in the compression.As shown in figure 25, compressed axle 142 makes sidewall 20 be subjected to vertical tensioning 170 effects.

For make with the second shaft part 46d with respect to the manual rotation of the first shaft part 32h easier in this process not by the flank 34 that tends to rotating end cap 22, some exemplary shaft (such as the axle 172 of Figure 27) comprise the second rotatable conjunction 174 between the second shaft part 46e and the mandrel 46f, and this second rotatable conjunction makes the second shaft part 46e to be further rotated with respect to end cap 22.

Shown in Figure 28 and 29, in some instances, axle 176 comprises the releasably locking spare 178 at flexible connector 180 places.The function of releasably locking spare is interim some adjustable lengths of storage/spring compression, and and if only if end cap this adjustable length/spring compression is discharged with reply power when being in the appropriate location.Releasably locking spare 178 can make that the connection of closing between sidewall 20 and the end cap 22 when being under the compression at spring 146 and axle 176 is easier.The locking piece 178 that for example is in the holding position of Figure 28 remains on axle 176 the withdrawal length that is assemblied in middle pipeline 18 easily.Before the closure of closing fully between end cap 22 and the sidewall 20, the operator can stretch into pipeline 18 locking piece 178 is moved to the off-position of Figure 29.This allows spring 146 that axle 176 is extended to as shown in figure 29 length, and the spring 146 that still is under certain compression provides axial force, so that sidewall 20 is placed to vertical tensioning.After locking piece 178 was discharged, the operator can finish the closure between end cap 22 and the sidewall 20.

Although the practical structures of locking piece 178 can change, in some instances, locking piece 178 thumb screw for the second shaft part 46g and axial end portion 182 are threadedly engaged with, this axial end portion is the adjacency first shaft part 32h optionally.In the holding position, axial end portion 182 is fixed with respect to the second shaft part 46g to keep shaft part 32h securely against the first shaft part 32h.In the off-position, axial end portion 182 separates from the first shaft part 32h, to allow relatively moving between shaft part 32h and the 46g.

Shown in Figure 30 and 31, in some instances, air, ducted systems 184 comprises novel elbow spare, and it is particularly suitable for air is flowed 146 break-ins by the tubulose flexible sidewall 188 of air duct 190.In Figure 31, air duct 190 limits the non-linear air flow path 192 from the entrance 194 of pipeline 190 to outlet 195.For air duct 190 is remained on the radial dilatation shape, the example of showing comprises a plurality of flanks 34 that supported by axle 196, and this axle can optionally be configured to remove state and installment state.

As shown in figure 30, removing state, axle 196 removes from pipeline 190 and has first shape, and in some instances, this first shape is relative or some is straight (for example more straight than 90 degree elbow spares).As shown in figure 31, in installment state, axle 196 is installed in the pipeline 190, and wherein flank 134 engages the inner surface 198 of sidewall 188.As shown in figure 31, in installment state, axle 196 have can with Figure 30 in second shape that distinguishes of first shape.In the example of showing, axle 196 has longitudinal midline 200, and this longitudinal midline is more straight in Figure 30 than in Figure 31.In Figure 31, center line 200 is settled along the nonlinear type circuit.Figure 30 illustrates center line 200 along the line of substantial linear or places along the line that departs from the nonlinear line shown in Figure 31 at least.The shape-variable of axle 196 can be favourable in installation, transportation and/or the manufacturing of axle 196.The shape-variable of axle 196 also can be practical in the pipeline elbow spare that axle 196 is assembled to different shape.

In some instances, axle 196 shape-variable is realized by making axle 196 be made up of a plurality of shaft parts 202, these a plurality of shaft parts are by at least one joint conjunction 204 interconnection, wherein be in when removing state when axle 196, conjunction 204 makes a plurality of shaft parts 202 relative to each other to move in the mode that changes relative angle.In some instances, joint conjunction 204 is than a plurality of shaft part 202 flexible high helical springs.Shown in Figure 32 and 33, in other example, the pipe that elastic bending polymer (for example rubber, polyurethane etc.) is made but exemplary joint conjunction 206 is served as reasons.Shown in Figure 34 and 35, in other example, exemplary joint conjunction 208 is hinge connector, such as, the eyelet of two interconnection (for example the eye bolt of two interconnection maybe can disconnect the fastener of connection) for example.

In the example shown in Fig. 30 – 35, air duct 190 optionally expands and flat contracting.Air duct 190 has inner flat contracting space 210, and when air duct 190 flat contractings, flat contracting space, this inside (is respectively Figure 31,33 and 35) and is in when removing state bigger than it at axle when axle 196,196a or 196b are in installment state.

As shown in figure 36, in some instances, the air duct 212 of elbow has tubulose flexible sidewall 214, and this tubulose flexible sidewall has at least some elastomeric materials 216, and these at least some elastomeric materials help the fold of control sidewall 214 with a plurality of wrinkles of mean allocation or fold 220.In some instances, material 216 is elastic webbing, and it is sewn to or is attached to the interior through 218 of tubular sidewall 214 intermittently.In other example, sidewall 214 is most of and even all be made up of elastomeric material.

By having the aforementioned air duct of pliable and tough tubular sidewall and the inner frame that can regulate in a longitudinal direction, regulating only can step increments.And the inner frame length of regulating aforementioned pipeline is difficult with the abundant tensioning that realizes sidewall, because need higher relatively tensile force.In the example of the air duct of the inner frame of adjustable length, the linear clutch device not only is provided for continuous (non-stepping) length adjustment, and it also utilizes mechanically advantage to realize needed tensioning in the sidewall.In this example, side-wall material can enough be tightened up for prestress, even so that it does not also sink when the flat contracting.Shown in Fig. 37 – 45, in some instances, air, ducted systems 222 comprises exemplary shaft assembly 224, and this shaft assembly has exemplary linear clutch 226 and is used for that air duct 18 is longitudinally remained on tensioning 228 (Figure 39) and is in shaft assembly 224 in vertical compression 230 with reply.Term " linear clutch " refers to any mechanism with at least one structure, and this mechanism assists elongated member (for example shaft assembly 224) longitudinal extension to resist elongated member simultaneously and vertically bounce back in this structure.The example of linear clutch 226 and other linear clutch includes but not limited to: by Marine City, and the Lever Action Cargo Bar that the Erickson Manufacturing LTD of MI provides, P/N-08907; By Lodi, the USA Product Group of CA, the Pro Grip Cargo Control Cargo Bar that Inc. provides, P/N900912; By North Windham, the Keeper Corp.(Hampton Product International of CT) the Ratcheting Cargo Bar that provides, P/N05059(United States Patent (USP) 5,443,342); By a plurality of retail traders (Camarillo for example, the Harbor Freight of CA; Seattle, the Amazon.com of WA, Inc.; With Hoffman Estates, the Sears Holdings Corp. of IL) the Haul-Master2-in-1Support Cargo Bar that provides, P/N66172.

In the example of showing, for shaft assembly 224 is extended to the length of Figure 38 from the length of Figure 37, the operator stretches into opening 168 with its arm 166 changes the reciprocating part 232 that extends from linear clutch 226 with mobile or wheel repeatedly.Term " reciprocating part " refers to any member that moves forward and backward operation by repeatedly.Reciprocating part 232 is being a plurality of circulation 234(Figure 42 in the period demand 236 mobile and that extend between its release position (Figure 43) and its depressed position (Figure 44) repeatedly like this between starting point 238 and terminal point 240), thereby with shaft assembly 224 elongations.Like this, shown in the example of Figure 42, the adjustable length 242 of shaft assembly 224 is longer at cycle starting point 238 places at cycle terminal point 240 places ratio, and length 242 stepping ground increase along with each circulation.

As shown in figure 39, in case linear clutch 226 extends to shaft assembly 224 when air duct 18 being placed to tensioning and shaft assembly being placed to the desired length of compression, slide fastener 162 is closed, and air, ducted systems 222 is prepared to use.As shown in figure 40, in some instances, for minimizing the gas-flow resistance in the pipeline 18, reciprocating part 232 and handle 244 move to deposit position.As shown in figure 41, if it is because any former thereby make the operator be intended to by shortening tensioning and the shaft assembly compression of shaft assembly 224 to remove air duct, this operator can stretch into pipeline 18 with arm 166 so, and start 246 trip levers 248, this trip lever allows linear clutch 226 with shaft assembly 224 withdrawals 250.

Although the actual design of linear clutch 226 and operation may change, Fig. 43 – 45 show an example, and wherein linear clutch 226 can optionally move to hold mode (Figure 43) and release conditions (Figure 45).Figure 44 illustrates the linear clutch 226 that is in another hold mode, but wherein linear clutch 226 has the shaft assembly 234 that stepping ground extends.In the example of this displaying, linear clutch 226 comprises shell 252, be attached to the handle 244 of shell 252, be fixed on the reciprocating part 232 on the shell 252, be slidingly arranged in the shaft part 254 in the shell 252, the first ring-type engagement member 256 around shaft part 254, around the second ring-type engagement member 258 of shaft part 254, from the second ring-type engagement member, the 258 whole trip levers 248 that extend, the first ring-type engagement member 256 is pushed to the first compression spring 260 of its free position (shown in Figure 43 and 45), with the second compression spring 262 that the second ring-type engagement member 258 is pushed to its grip locations (as shown in figure 43).

In this example, the pivot movement of reciprocating part 232 from its release position (Figure 43) to its depressed position (Figure 44) tilts to its grip locations (Figure 44) with the first ring-type engagement member 256 from its free position (Figure 43), thereby makes the ring-type engagement member 256 grasping shaft parts 254 of winning.In the first ring-type engagement member, 256 grasping shaft parts 254, the movement of reciprocating part 232 from its release position (Figure 43) to its depressed position (Figure 44) 264 promotes step-length 266(Figure 42 and 44 to the left with the first ring-type engagement member 256 and shaft part 254), thus shaft assembly 224 is extended.The second ring-type engagement member 258 allows this movement, because along with shaft part 254 is moved to the left, the axial rub between shaft part 254 and the second ring-type engagement member 258 is in the direction that the friction confining force between shaft part 254 and the second ring-type engagement member 258 is reduced.Then reciprocating part 232 is discharged into its release position (Figure 43) from its depressed position (Figure 44) and allows first spring 260 that the first ring-type engagement member 256 is back into free position its Figure 43, second spring 262 is pushed to its grip locations (Figure 43) with ring-type engagement member 258 and prevents that shaft part 254 is withdrawn into its aforementioned location among Figure 43 to the right simultaneously.Repeat this circulation so that shaft assembly 224 steppings ground is extended.

In this example, for subsequently with shaft assembly 224 withdrawal, the off-position of trip lever 248 its normal engagement inclined position from Figure 43 in Figure 45.In the off-position, the second ring-type engagement member 258 discharges its joint grasping on shaft part 254.As shown in figure 45, all be under the situation of its off-position at two ring- type engagement members 256 and 258, linear clutch 226 allows shaft assembly 224 withdrawals.

In example as shown in figure 46, air, ducted systems 266 comprises the shaft assembly 268 with another exemplary linear clutch 270.Linear clutch 270 comprises ratchet mechanism 272, and this ratchet mechanism comprises only takes turns part 274, and this is only taken turns part and engages wheel carrier 276, and this wheel carrier has a plurality of discontinuous places 278.Any displaceable element at the one or more discontinuous places that optionally engage in the wheel carrier " only taken turns part " and refer in term.The example of only taking turns part include but not limited to engage pivot bar or the lever at one or more teeth on the wheel carrier or other discontinuous place and have with wheel carrier on one or more teeth or the partial or complete pinion (for example only taking turns part 274) of the tooth of other discontinuous place engagement.Term " wheel carrier " refers to the slender member of the substantial linear at a plurality of discontinuous place (for example tooth, projection, hole, ratchet etc.) that has along its distribution of lengths.The example of wheel carrier includes but not limited to have along the pipe in a plurality of holes of the distribution of lengths of pipe, has along the pipe of a plurality of ratchets of the distribution of lengths of pipe and have along the elongated rods of a plurality of gear teeth of the distribution of lengths of pipe.Linear clutch 270 specifically be exemplified as the Windham by North, the Keeper Corp.(Hampton Product International of CT) the Ratcheting Cargo Bar that provides, P/N05059(United States Patent (USP) 5,443,342).

In the example that Figure 46 shows, (in a looping fashion 280) repeatedly the reciprocating part 282 of mobile linear clutch 270 with shaft assembly 268 elongations.Shaft assembly 268 can be by manual activation trip lever 284 to shorten lever 284 from only taking turns part 272 releasing joints, wherein arrow 288 represents the actuating of trip lever 284.The similar Figure 39 of Figure 46, and linear clutch 270 is shown, this linear clutch has the shaft assembly 268 of extension pipeline 10 is placed to tensioning 228 and shaft assembly 268 is placed to compression 230.Can regulate the example of air duct of flexible sidewall material shown in Figure 48-51 along the pipe lengths auto-tensioning.

In another example, as shown in figure 47, air, ducted systems 286 comprises that the linear clutch 288 of exemplary screw style is used for pipeline 18 is placed to tensioning 228 is in compression 230 with reply shaft assembly 290.Be the length of regulating shaft assembly 290 and/or the tensioning in the adjusting pipeline 18, the head 292 of linear clutch 288 (rotates a plurality of circle segments 298 for example with a plurality of successive turns 296 of instrument 294 rotations, or with instrument 294) in a looping fashion by 294 and rotates.This action makes rotatable screw 300(screw member) degree that extends in the central siphon 302 of shaft assembly 290 changes.

In some instances, linear clutch 288 comprises and is screwed into the nut that the inner threaded member 304(that is attached on the central siphon 302 for example is welded to pipe 302 end, or the pipe 302 of internal thread) thus in screw 300, be attached to and make handle 306 and screw 300 on the screw 300 as the unit and the handle 306 that rotates, the tubulose mandrel 46h of radial support handle 306 and the head 292 on the handle 306.In some instances, instrument 294 is 292 cranks of permanent extension roughly from the head.In some instances, instrument 294 is for being removably attached to the special crank of head 292.In some instances, instrument 294 is general utility wrench, such as the ratchet spanner of the socket with adaptive head 292.Thereby the direction that instrument 294 and screw 300 rotate with respect to inner threaded member 304 extends to the degree in the central siphon 302 with the definite screw 300 of amount and determines the adjusting length of shaft assembly 290.Then, the adjusting length of shaft assembly 290 is determined tensioning and the compression of pipeline 18 and shaft assembly 290 respectively.

Shown in Fig. 48 – 51, in some instances, linear clutch 308 allow by with air duct 18 from the flat contracting situation of Figure 48 expand into Figure 49 inflation status and with shaft assembly 310(framework example) extend for example band, anchor clamps, lamp, pocket, ring set etc. of keeper 312(simultaneously) far-end 314 of shaft assembly 310 is connected to the end cap (for example end cap 22) of air duct.In some instances, except keeper 312 and/or alternatively, the mode that far-end 314 is showed with Fig. 12 – 16 is attached to the end cap of pipeline.

Along with the length that expands naturally pipeline 18 is extended, the elongation that air duct produces is with shaft assembly 310 elongations, because the far-end of shaft assembly 314 is connected to the end cap of pipeline.As shown in figure 50, in case when shaft assembly 310 extended to its length of Figure 49 from its shorter length of Figure 48, the unidirectional grasp motion of linear clutch 308 just remained on shaft assembly 310 its development length place, even after pipeline 18 flat contracting subsequently.

In some instances, the linear clutch 226 that uses in shaft assembly 224 is identical with linear clutch 308; Yet many parts of linear clutch 226 can stay and not use.Shown in Fig. 48 – 51, obsolete parts elimination is namely shown as exemplary linear clutch 308.Figure 51 illustrates handle 244, reciprocating part 232, the first ring-type engagement member 256 and the first compression spring 260 is eliminated.Like this, linear clutch 308 stay comprise shell 252, shaft part 254, around the ring-type engagement member 258 of shaft part 254, from the ring-type engagement member 258 whole trip levers 248 that extend and compression spring 262.The function of the parts that linear clutch 308 comprises and the same the working of same parts of describing with reference to linear clutch 226.

Figure 52 shows exemplary linear clutch 316, itself and linear clutch 308 function classes like or identical, and the substitute of the linear clutch 308 in the air, ducted systems of showing as Fig. 48 – 50 in some instances.On the structure, linear clutch 316 comprise shell 318 but not shell 252 and tensioning spring 320 but not the compression spring 262.Shown in Figure 52, tensioning spring 320 is pushed to its grip locations with ring-type engagement member 258.

About the relevant the whole bag of tricks of the example of showing with figure 1 – 52, Figure 21 provides displaying that shaft assembly is inserted at least one example in the air duct.Figure 37 and 38 arrow 322 provide displaying to handle at least one example of actuated piece with the endless form that comprises a plurality of circulations.The arrow 324 of Figure 42 provides displaying at least one example corresponding to a plurality of stepping amounts of a plurality of circulations shaft assembly is extended.Figure 39 provides displaying to make air duct be subjected to tensioning (arrow a 228) usefulness along the longitudinal direction as the result that shaft assembly is extended and makes shaft assembly be compressed at least one example of (arrow 230) effect along the longitudinal direction.Figure 37 and 38 arrow 322 provide displaying to move back and forth at least one example of handling actuated piece.The arrow 296 of Figure 47 provides displaying the screw member to be rotated at least one example of a plurality of circles.The arrow 280 of Figure 46 and the arrow 298 of Figure 47 provide displaying to move back and forth at least one example of handling ratchet mechanism.Air among Figure 49 the stream 14 and air duct that tightens up of the expansion among the weak and limp relatively air duct among Figure 48 (the flat contracting by unconspicuous air stream 14) and Figure 49 compared at least one example with the air duct expansion is provided.Size 326 among Figure 48 compared with the longer size 328 among Figure 49 provides displaying as the result of expanded air pipeline and with framework longitudinal tensile strain at least one example to development length (for example L2 among Figure 42).There is not Figure 50 of arrow 14 to provide displaying with flat at least one example that is reduced to flat contracting situation of air duct.Arrow 228 among Figure 50 provides to be illustrated in when air duct is in flat contracting situation and makes air duct be subjected at least one example of at least some vertical tension.The arrow 230 of Figure 50 provides to be illustrated in when air duct is in flat contracting situation and makes air duct be subjected at least one example of at least some vertical compressions.Arrow 228 among Figure 50 and 230 and the example of shaft assembly 310(framework) provide display frame when air duct is in flat contracting situation, to remain on air duct in vertical tensioning and when air duct is in flat contracting situation, framework remained at least one example in vertical compression.

Shown in Fig. 53 – 55, in some instances, the air duct 18 of air, ducted systems 330 vertically remains in the tensioning by compression spring 332, the adjustable ground compression between the axle collar 334 and tubulose mandrel 46i of this compression spring.In the example of showing, spoke 42 and flank 34 are connected to mandrel 46i with end cap 22, and the axle collar 334 surrounds tubular shafts 32i, thereby make the axial location of the axle collar on axle 32i can change to regulate and the tensioning of setting air pipeline 18.

For example Figure 53 illustrates the axle collar 334 and is in a 32i and goes up less stress position so that spring 332 is placed on less compressed state.Spring 332 is compressed in and makes air duct 18 be subjected to tensioning 228 effects between the shaft shoulder 336 on the axle collar 334 and the mandrel 46i and an axle 32i is compressed 230 effects.Figure 54 illustrates the axle collar 334 and is in the bigger stress position that spring 332 is placed on bigger compressed state, and it makes air duct 18 be subjected to bigger tensioning 228 effects and axle 32i is subjected to bigger compression 230 effects.

Be the position of the axle collar 334 on the regulating shaft 32i, the axle collar 334 and/or axle 32i comprise that axle collar maintaining body is used for the axle collar 334 optionally being kept with respect to axle 32i and discharging.The axle collar 334 is discharged permission the axle collar 334 is manually slided axially into the another location along axle 32i.In the example of showing, maintaining body is thumb screw 338, and this thumb screw is screwed into screwed hole in the axle collar 334 optionally to engage or to discharge an axle 32i.

Figure 53 and 54 illustrates thumb screw 338, and this thumb screw engages axle 32i to be being placed on lock-out state with the axle collar 334, thereby makes the axle collar 334 keep with respect to axle 32i axial restraint.Figure 55 illustrates thumb screw 338, and this thumb screw part from the screwed hole of the axle collar back-outs that the axle collar 334 is discharged from axle 32i, thereby the axle collar 334 is placed on the state of unlocking.At the state of unlocking, the axle collar 334 freely endwisely slips for the compression of regulating spring 332 along axle 32i, and this spring is determined the tensioning in the pipeline 18.Shown in Figure 55, at the state of unlocking, the axle collar 334 can also move with the compression with spring 332 and discharge fully.

In some instances, the pin 340 that is attached to a 32i is outstanding by one or more grooves 342, and this groove is along mandrel 46i longitudinal extension.The scope that relatively moves between this restrictive axial adjusting or mandrel 46i and the axle 32i.In some cases, if end cap 22 removes, sell 340 limited fields that move along groove 342 so and prevent from compressing spring 332 mandrel 46i is released a 32i fully.

Shown in Figure 56 and 57, in some instances, air, ducted systems 344 comprises shaft assembly 346, and spoke 42 extends radially outwardly to support a plurality of flanks 34 from this shaft assembly, then this flank support air pipeline 18.The length of shaft assembly 346 can regulate pipeline 18 to be remained in vertical tensioning 228, and this vertical tensioning is placed on shaft assembly 346 in vertical compression 230.In this example, the adjusting of shaft assembly 346 is by means of the flexible connector 348 between first shaft part 350 and second shaft part 352 and in conjunction with screw 356(for example threaded rod, bolt etc.) and inner threaded member 358(for example conventional nut, have angling hole piece portion, have the plate of angling hole etc.) between the threaded connector regulated 354.Shaft assembly 346 shown in Figure 57 is than extension more in Figure 56, so the air duct among Figure 57 is than tensioning more among Figure 56.

Thereby be the length of increase shaft assembly and the tensioning in the increase pipeline 18, head 292 on the screw 356 rotates with respect to screw member 358 along a direction, thereby make screw member 358 axially advance away from head 292 along the length of screw 356, so that first shaft part 350 is partly released from second shaft part 352.Along with shaft assembly 346 elongation, plate 362 is attached at an axle keeper 360 on the end cap 22 prevents that the head end 364 of screw 356 axially outwards is forced to from pipeline 18.The example of keeper 360 includes but not limited to nut, packing ring or is welded to the pin of screw 356; Shoulder on the screw 356; E clevis tool on the screw 356 or C clamp tool etc.The example of plate 362 includes but not limited to packing ring, video disc, clasp etc.Xuan Zhuan head 292 moves screw member 358 towards head 292 in opposite direction, thereby this moves in permission first shaft part 350 withdrawals second shaft part 352 and shortens shaft assembly 346 to reduce the pipeline tensioning.

In some instances, the relative rotation of screw 356 and screw member 358 realizes by the anti-rotation feature between the screw member 358 in second shaft part 352 and the cannelure 366.In some instances, anti-rotation is characterized as and is attached to screw member 358 and around the video disc 368 of screw 356, and wherein video disc 368 has and extends to radially outstanding 370 in the groove 366.Extend to the outstanding 370 relative rotations that suppress between video disc 368 and second shaft part 352 in the groove 366.Because video disc 368 is attached to screw member 358, therefore extend to the outstanding 370 relative rotations that also suppress between screw member 358 and second shaft part 352 in the groove 366.In other words, the limited relative rotation of giving prominence between 370 inner threaded member 358 and second shaft part 352 that provides in the groove 366 is provided, wherein to refer to second shaft part 352 be reference to term " limited relative rotation ", screw member 358 can be less than 360 degree rotations, and in some instances, screw member rotates relatively and is restricted to zero degree.Video disc 368 also provides area supported to be used for the axial end portion of backup first shaft part 350.

Should be noted that, along with head 292 rotates that shaft assembly 346 is extended or withdrawal, screw 356 has with respect to second shaft part 352 longitudinal position fixed basically, and inner threaded member 358 has with respect to first shaft part 350 fixing axial location basically.

Although described particular exemplary process, device and manufacturing thing herein, the scope that the present invention covers not is to be limited to this.On the contrary, the present invention is literal goes up or covers according to doctrine of equivalents all methods, device and the manufacturing thing that falls in the claims scope.

Claims (74)

1. air, ducted systems comprises:

Air duct, it has cylindrical form and has along the longitudinal direction longitudinal axis; With

Framework, it is inner and be connected to air duct that it is arranged on air duct, described framework comprises than the flexible low material of air duct, described framework by compression along the longitudinal direction, and described air duct tensioning along the longitudinal direction.

2. air, ducted systems is used under the positive air pressure in action and transmits air selectively under inoperative environmental air pressure, and described air, ducted systems comprises:

Air duct, it has cylindrical form to limit longitudinal direction, and described air duct comprises flexible sidewall; With

Framework, it is inner and be connected to air duct that it is arranged on air duct, and described air duct keeps tensioning along the longitudinal direction by means of keeping along the longitudinal direction framework by compression.

3. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 2, wherein said flexible sidewall is flexible higher than framework.

4. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 2, wherein the air in air duct inside is under the situation of inoperative environmental air pressure, described air duct is in the first tensioning amplitude on the longitudinal direction, air in air duct inside is under the situation of the positive air pressure that works, described air duct is in the second tensioning amplitude on the longitudinal direction, and the described first tensioning amplitude is less than the described second tensioning amplitude.

5. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 2, wherein the air in air duct inside is under the situation of inoperative environmental air pressure, described framework is in first suppressed range on the longitudinal direction, air in air duct inside is under the situation of the positive air pressure that works, described framework is in second suppressed range on the longitudinal direction, and described first suppressed range is greater than described second suppressed range.

6. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 2, wherein said framework is supported by air duct.

7. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 2 also comprises the overhead supporting construction, and it is suspended that described air duct is independent of framework ground from the overhead supporting construction.

8. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 2 also comprises the overhead supporting construction, and described air duct and framework all are connected to the overhead supporting construction independently.

9. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 2, the length of wherein said framework can vertically be regulated.

10. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 2, wherein said framework comprises:

Be arranged on the axle in the air duct, described axle extends along the longitudinal direction, and compression along the longitudinal direction; With

Be connected to axle and be arranged on a plurality of flanks in the air duct, the shape of described flank is corresponding at least a portion of cylindrical form.

11. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 10, each flank in wherein said a plurality of flanks is ring portion.

12. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 10 also is included in a plurality of spokes that extend between a plurality of flanks and the axle.

13. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 10, also comprise mandrel and a plurality of spoke, wherein said axle comprises a plurality of shaft parts, one or more in described a plurality of flank are ring portion, described a plurality of spoke is connected to mandrel with ring portion, and described mandrel provides the connector with a plurality of shaft part interconnection.

14. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 13 also comprises the flexible connector between at least one shaft part in mandrel and a plurality of shaft part.

15. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 13, at least one spoke in wherein said a plurality of spokes is settled with the non-perpendicular angle with respect to axle.

16. an air, ducted systems, it comprises tubulose flexible sidewall and end cap, and described tubulose flexible sidewall and end cap limit the inner space of air, ducted systems under situation about being connected, and described end cap comprises:

Extremity piece, the outer peripheral edges that it limits the central point and fixes basically with respect to the central point;

Flexible sheet material, it strides across extremity piece and has the peripheral part of imbrication extremity piece outer peripheral edges;

Securing member, it is attached to flexible sheet material and can be connected to the tubulose flexible sidewall;

The extension that extends from the peripheral part of flexible sheet material; With

Be connected to the contraction members of extension, it has deflation situation and relaxed condition, described flexible sheet material is in contraction members under the situation of deflation situation than tightening up more under the situation that is in condition status in contraction members, and described extension is under the situation of deflation situation the central point than more close extremity piece under the situation that is in relaxed condition in contraction members in contraction members.

17. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 16, wherein said extremity piece comprises ring portion, and described ring portion limits the central point and the outer peripheral edges of extremity piece are provided.

18. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 16 also comprises the limit portion that arranges along the peripheral part of flexible sheet material, described securing member is attached to flexible sheet material via limit portion.

19. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 16, wherein said contraction members are stay cord.

20. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 16 wherein is attached under the situation of tubulose flexible sidewall at end cap, described extension and contraction members are arranged in the inner space of air, ducted systems.

21. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 16, wherein said securing member are slide fastener.

22. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 16, wherein said extremity piece is trapped between flexible sheet material and the extension.

23. an air, ducted systems, it comprises:

Limit the tubulose flexible sidewall of longitudinal direction, air, ducted systems is carried air stream along described longitudinal direction;

Ring portion, described be arranged in the tubulose flexible sidewall and be substantially perpendicular to longitudinal direction place;

Basically be arranged on the mandrel of ring portion central point, described mandrel is longitudinal extension along the longitudinal direction; With

The a plurality of spokes that extend between ring portion and mandrel, described a plurality of spokes are attached to mandrel at a plurality of somes place that vertically distributes along mandrel.

24. the method that will have the air, ducted systems repacking now, described existing air, ducted systems comprises expandable air duct, and described air duct is for the inner space of air being carried along the longitudinal direction by expandable air duct, and described method comprises:

Enter the inner space of expandable air duct;

Installation frame in the inner space of expandable air duct;

Framework is connected to expandable air duct, with compression frame along the longitudinal direction and with expandable air duct tensioning.

25. method as claimed in claim 24, the total weight of wherein said framework is supported by air duct.

26. method as claimed in claim 24 also is included under the situation that is not subjected to assisting from the carrying of framework and hangs expandable air duct.

27. an air, ducted systems, it comprises:

Be arranged on the axle in the air duct, described axle extends along the longitudinal direction, and is in vertical compression;

A plurality of flanks, it is connected to axle and engages the air duct inner surface; With

Be arranged on the spring in the air duct, described spring is connected to axle, and the spring under the stress effect is in the contribution factor that vertical compression and air duct are in vertical tensioning for axle.

28. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 27, wherein said axle has the length that can regulate continuously of extending along the longitudinal direction.

29. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 28, wherein said spring impeller-hub is to extend along the longitudinal direction.

30. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 27, wherein said axle comprises flexible connector so that axle can be regulated along the longitudinal direction, and the spring impeller-hub is to extend along the longitudinal direction.

31. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 30, also comprise for the structure that suppresses longitudinal extension at flexible connector place, described structure for the inhibition longitudinal extension can optionally move to holding position and off-position, described structure for the inhibition longitudinal extension suppresses axle in the holding position longitudinal length extends, and described structure for the inhibition longitudinal extension is extended at the longitudinal length of off-position permission axle.

32. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 31, wherein said structure for the inhibition longitudinal extension comprises releasably locking spare.

33. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 32, wherein said releasably locking spare comprises screw.

34. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 27, wherein said axle comprises first shaft part and second shaft part and has flexible connector betwixt, described flexible connector is used to axle that adjustable longitudinal axis length is provided, described spring provides the screw that first shaft part is connected to second shaft part, and second shaft part changes vertical compression of at least one longitudinal axis length or axle with respect to the rotation of first shaft part.

35. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 31 also comprises:

Be attached to the end cap of air duct;

At the first rotatable conjunction at flexible connector place, the described first rotatable conjunction makes second shaft part to rotate with respect to first shaft part;

The second rotatable conjunction between second shaft part and end cap, the described second rotatable conjunction makes second shaft part to rotate with respect to end cap.

36. an air, ducted systems that is used for transmission air stream, described air, ducted systems comprises:

The air duct that comprises the tubulose flexible sidewall with inner surface, described air duct limits entrance and exit, and described air duct limits non-rectilinear air flow path from the inlet to the outlet;

Axle with longitudinal midline, described axle can optionally be configured to installment state and remove state, be at axle under the situation of installment state, described longitudinal midline is settled along the first nonlinear type circuit, described axle has first shape of installment state and removes second shape of state, and described first shape and second shape can distinguish; With

Be connected to a plurality of flanks of axle, be arranged in the air duct and axle is under the situation of installment state at axle and a plurality of flank, described a plurality of flanks engage tubulose flexible sidewall inner surfaces.

37. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 36, wherein said axle comprises a plurality of shaft parts that connect by the joint conjunction, be at axle under the situation of the state of removing, described joint conjunction makes a plurality of shaft parts relative to each other to move in the mode that changes relative angle.

38. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 37, wherein said joint conjunction is flexible higher than each shaft part in a plurality of shaft parts.

39. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 37, wherein said joint conjunction comprises helical spring.

40. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 37, but wherein said joint conjunction comprises the elastic bending polymer.

41. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 37, wherein said joint conjunction comprises two continuous eyelets.

42. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 36 wherein is under the situation of installment state at axle, the longitudinal midline of the porch of described axle is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal midline in the exit of axle.

43. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 36, wherein said tubulose flexible sidewall comprises elastomeric material.

44. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 36, wherein said air duct optionally expands and flat contracting, under the situation of the flat contracting of air duct, described air duct limits inner flat contracting space, and flat contracting space, described inside is at axle under the situation of installment state and is under the situation of the state of removing big than axle.

45. an air, ducted systems comprises:

Air duct with inner surface, described air duct are cylindrical form, and with the restriction longitudinal direction, and described air duct is in vertical tensioning; With

Shaft assembly, it has the length that can regulate continuously and is arranged in the air duct, described shaft assembly extends along the longitudinal direction, and described shaft assembly is subjected to vertical compression force, and described vertical compression stress can be changed into smaller value less than selected desired value from selected desired value.

46. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 45, wherein said shaft assembly comprises linear clutch, described vertical compression stress is by the linear clutch transmission, described linear clutch is optionally configuration between hold mode and release conditions, be at linear clutch under the situation of hold mode, described vertical compression stress is in selected desired value, is at linear clutch under the situation of release conditions, and described vertical compression stress is in smaller value.

47. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 45, wherein said shaft assembly comprise helical spring and are threadedly engaged with helical spring member along the adjustable position of helical spring length.

48. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 46 also comprises a plurality of flanks that are connected to shaft assembly and engage the inner surface of air duct.

49. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 46, wherein said linear clutch comprises reciprocating part, described reciprocating part can repeat mobile a plurality of circulations in the preset time that extends to terminal point from starting point between release position and depressed position the section, adjustable length of described shaft assembly preset time section destination county than preset time section the starting point place longer.

50. everywhere in smaller value, and described vertical compression stress is in selected desired value at the destination county of period demand in the starting point of period demand for air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 49, wherein said vertical compression stress.

51. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 46, wherein said linear clutch comprises trip lever, described trip lever can pivot between off-position and normal position, described linear clutch is in hold mode and is in entopic trip lever with reply, and described linear clutch is in release conditions are in the off-position with reply trip lever.

52. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 46, wherein said linear clutch comprises ratchet mechanism, described ratchet mechanism comprise engage wheel carrier only take turns part, described wheel carrier limits a plurality of discontinuous place that distributes along the shaft assembly longitudinal direction.

53. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 49, wherein said linear clutch comprises engage shuttle and around the ring-type joint element of shaft part, described shaft part extends along the longitudinal direction, and described ring-type joint element can pivot with respect to shaft part between grip locations and free position.

54. air, ducted systems as claimed in claim 53, wherein said linear clutch comprises the spring that the ring-type joint element is pushed to free position.

55. an air duct carrying method comprises:

Shaft assembly is inserted air duct, and described shaft assembly is connected to actuator, and described air duct limits longitudinal direction;

Endless form operated actuator with a plurality of circulations;

With a plurality of stepping amounts of shaft assembly elongation corresponding to a plurality of circulations.

56. air duct carrying method as claimed in claim 55 wherein makes air duct be subjected to tension along the longitudinal direction based on axis of elongation assembly and makes shaft assembly be compressed effect along the longitudinal direction.

57. air duct carrying method as claimed in claim 55, wherein said endless form comprises moving back and forth the mode operated actuator.

58. air duct carrying method as claimed in claim 55, wherein said endless form relates to changes a plurality of circles with the screw member.

59. relating in the reciprocating motion mode, air duct carrying method as claimed in claim 55, wherein said endless form handle ratchet mechanism.

60. air duct carrying method as claimed in claim 55 also comprises the shaft assembly that supports a plurality of flanks, described a plurality of flanks engage the inner surface of air duct.

61. an air duct carrying method comprises:

Framework is installed in air duct inside;

Air duct is expanded;

Based on air duct is expanded, framework is extended lengthwise into development length;

Be reduced to flat contracting situation with air duct is flat;

Be at air duct under the situation of flat contracting situation, make air duct be subjected at least some vertical tension; With

Be at air duct under the situation of flat contracting situation, make framework be subjected at least some vertical compressions.

62. air duct carrying method as claimed in claim 61 comprises that also described framework remains on air duct in vertical tensioning under air duct is in the situation of flat contracting situation.

63. air duct carrying method as claimed in claim 61 comprises that also described air duct remains on framework in vertical compression under air duct is in the situation of flat contracting situation.

64. an air, ducted systems comprises:

Shaft assembly, it is arranged in the air duct, under described shaft assembly is arranged on situation in the air duct, described shaft assembly extends along the longitudinal direction, described shaft assembly is in vertical compressive state, and described air duct is in vertical tensioning state, and described shaft assembly comprises threaded connector so that shaft assembly has adjustable length; With

A plurality of flanks, it is connected to shaft assembly and engages air duct.

65. as the described air, ducted systems of claim 64, wherein said shaft assembly comprises flexible connector.

66. as the described air, ducted systems of claim 65, wherein said shaft assembly comprises first shaft part and second shaft part and flexible connector therebetween, described threaded connector comprises the screw that is threadedly engaged with inner threaded member, described air, ducted systems also comprises the anti-rotation feature that inner threaded member is connected to second shaft part, the relative rotation between described anti-rotation feature limits inner threaded member and second shaft part.

67. as the described air, ducted systems of claim 66, wherein said anti-rotation feature extends in the groove that is limited by second shaft part.

68. as the described air, ducted systems of claim 66, even wherein under the situation that the adjustable length of shaft assembly changes, described screw also has with respect to second shaft part longitudinal position fixed basically.

69. as the described air, ducted systems of claim 68, wherein make under the situation that the adjustable length at shaft assembly changes, described inner threaded member also has with respect to first shaft part fixing axial location basically.

70. a radial support member is used for using with the air, ducted systems with air duct, described radial support member comprises:

Mandrel, it is connected to the axle that is positioned in the air duct;

Flank, the described mandrel of its at least part of encirclement, described flank are positioned at contiguous air duct inner surface place, so that air duct is maintained open position basically;

First spoke, it is connected to flank first side of mandrel; With

Second spoke, it is connected to second side of mandrel with flank, and described first side is opposite with second side.

71. as the described radial support member of claim 70, also comprise the conical flow limiter, described conical flow limiter has entrance and exit, described entrance is connected to contiguous mandrel place.

72. as the described radial support member of claim 71, comprise that also regulating part is to allow to regulate the size of outlet.

73. as the described radial support member of claim 70, also comprise the point of rotation in the flank plane, described first spoke is connected to mandrel at the first tie point place, described first tie point is offset a segment distance from the point of rotation along mandrel, described second spoke is connected to mandrel at the second tie point place, and described second tie point is offset a segment distance from the point of rotation along mandrel.

74. as the described radial support member of claim 73, wherein said first tie point is opposite with second tie point.

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